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Pernicious anemia



Megaloblastic anemia - view of red blood cells
Megaloblastic anemia - view of red blood cells


Pernicious anemia

Alternative Names:

Macrocytic achylic anemia; Congenital pernicious anemia; Juvenile pernicious anemia; Vitamin B-12 deficiency (malabsorption)


Treatment:

Monthly vitamin B-12 injections are the definitive treatment to correct the vitamin B-12 deficiency. This therapy corrects the anemia and may correct the neurological complications if given soon enough.



Since about 1% of vitamin B-12 is absorbed (even in the absence of intrinsic factor), some doctors recommend that elderly patients with gastric atrophy take oral vitamin B-12 supplements in addition to monthly injections.

There is also a preparation of vitamin B-12 that may be given intranasally (in the nose). A well-balanced diet is essential to provide other elements such as folic acid, iron, and vitamin C forhealthy blood cell development.


Expectations (prognosis):

The outcome is usually excellent with treatment.


Complications:
  • People with pernicious anemia may have gastric polyps and get gastric cancer and gastric carcinoid tumors twice as oftenthan the normal population.
  • Persistent neurological defects may be present if treatment is delayed.
  • Vitamin B-12 deficiency affects the appearance of all epithelial cells, therefore an untreated woman may obtain a false positive pap smear.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if symptoms suggestive of vitamin B-12 deficiency develop.




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